Do you believe in magic?

[Emily124]

Yesterday, someone asked me if I believed in magic. My answer was, "yes, of course." An hour later, we were still trying to define magic.

There are apparently many different types of magic. There's illusion or magic tricks, like that of David Blaine or David Copperfield. This is not the kind of magic I believe in. There's magic as a spiritual or religious practice, but this too, was not exactly the type of magic we were talking about. In trying to argue my point, I became less sure of the very definition of magic. I believe that anything is possible, and that sometimes things happen that can't be explained, instances of coincidence or serendipity, the power of the mind as evidenced by the placebo effect. But we couldn't agree that these were examples of magic. I often find myself in awe of the beauty I find in nature, random acts of kindness, creativity, self-expression, and life-affirming works of art. But perhaps, somehow, these things are magical, and not magic. I know the stories I enjoy reading and writing the most are magical, in one way or another. Isn't the inspiration of a muse some kind of magic?

Do you believe in magic?

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/484324_10152009803265001_1517927078_n.jpg

 

[Stella_Omega]

The term "belief" is exactly the right one in relation to "magic,"
because once we understand something, belief is transformed into knowledge.

The problem with belief is that it's such a satisfying mental state, we very often see no need to explore a thing enough to gain understanding of it.

By which you might come to the conclusion that-- no, I do not believe in magic.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Magic exists.

Whatever comes without plan or recipe or design is magic.

 

[oggbashan]

I have difficulty believing in 'magic' as practised by modern witches, or those professing Wicca.

Why? Because almost all of it was invented in my lifetime, or derived from the appalling Aleister Crowley, or worse still Dennis Wheatley's fiction.

But well-wishing, prayer, and other rituals to help people who are ill, injured or suffering are harmless if they are done in conjunction with modern medicine. They are positively dangerous if they try to replace medical practitioners.

If you believe the power of positive magic, or in prayer, like most beliefs it should make you feel better because of your mind's ability to process positive thinking into a sense of well-being. If other people are wishing you well, or praying for you, that could reinforce the feeling that there are forces on your side - if you believe. Even if you don't believe, knowing that others are concerned about you could help your self-esteem even of it does no more.

The transition between 'feeling better' and actually 'getting better' works for mental illness but I don't think it does for physical illness beyond the placebo effect.

I will pray for people if asked. I will think positive thoughts for them, and wish them well. If those practices are 'magic' then to that extent I believe. Beyond that, I think positive magic is harmless and possibly self-delusion.

Negative magic, ill-wishing - I think they harm the person trying to produce them more than the target.

Edited for PS. My personal beliefs don't stop me using witches and magic in my stories. Why not? I write fiction for entertainment and anything goes if it works for the story.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

I have difficulty believing in 'magic' as practised by modern witches, or those professing Wicca.

Why? Because almost all of it was invented in my lifetime, or derived from the appalling Aleister Crowley, or worse still Dennis Wheatley's fiction.

But well-wishing, prayer, and other rituals to help people who are ill, injured or suffering are harmless if they are done in conjunction with modern medicine. They are positively dangerous if they try to replace medical practitioners.

If you believe the power of positive magic, or in prayer, like most beliefs it should make you feel better because of your mind's ability to process positive thinking into a sense of well-being. If other people are wishing you well, or praying for you, that could reinforce the feeling that there are forces on your side - if you believe. Even if you don't believe, knowing that others are concerned about you could help your self-esteem even of it does no more.

The transition between 'feeling better' and actually 'getting better' works for mental illness but I don't think it does for physical illness beyond the placebo effect.

I will pray for people if asked. I will think positive thoughts for them, and wish them well. If those practices are 'magic' then to that extent I believe. Beyond that, I think positive magic is harmless and possibly self-delusion.

Negative magic, ill-wishing - I think they harm the person trying to produce them more than the target.

Edited for PS. My personal beliefs don't stop me using witches and magic in my stories. Why not? I write fiction for entertainment and anything goes if it works for the story.

No, there really is magic.

Lemme give you an example:

Until recent times I've been lethal to snakes on every occasion, like THE OLD BROAD of BC. Then I saw a lizard eat a honeybee. I'm fond of honeybees. And then I saw a snake eat a lizard, and my brain did the math. Too many lizards mean too few bees, add a snake to the mix, and you get more bees that pollinate more flowers. I get more fruit and snake gets to live.

 

[Cruel2BKind]

Magic?

No.

Santa Claus? Easter Bunny? Tooth Fairy?

No

Now ask me if I believe in demons, Ghosts, Telekinesis, ESP?

Still no.

The cosmic Jewish Zombie in the sky?

Sorry, not very religious either.


The world lost a lot of it's wonder for me around the time I discovered Santa Claus didn't exist. It kind of backfired on my parents when they told me that. They dragged me to church for as long as they could after that, but the spark was no longer there.

 

[TxRad]

Magic is in the eye of the beholder.

Or a sunrise, as the case may be.

 

[glynndah]

Do you believe in magic?

It's been hours, people. I expected this long before now.

A from the good little witch.

 

[Handley_Page]

I have difficulty believing in 'magic' as practised by modern witches, or those professing Wicca.

Why? Because almost all of it was invented in my lifetime, or derived from the appalling Aleister Crowley, or worse still Dennis Wheatley's fiction.
.

All too true.

Magic is in the eye of the beholder.
Or a sunrise, as the case may be.

Even more true.


If, in defining the term "Magic", you mean "using an outside agency to influence events or things, the answer is 'no' to my mind. I have a book of 5000 spells of suspect ages; they're all weird.

But I have spoken to those for whom magic is as real as religion is to a Nun; more so, perhaps.

Perhaps the jury should still be out. . . .

 

[Stella_Omega]

Do you believe in magic?

It's been hours, people. I expected this long before now.

A from the good little witch.

Ah yeah... good times, good times!

 

[desertslave]

A part of me would really like to believe, but I'm too anchored in science and facts.

For the life of me I can't remember which author wrote this, but I think it was Larry Niven.

"Magic is science that hasn't been explained yet."

That works for me.

 

[Emily124]

The term "belief" is exactly the right one in relation to "magic,"
because once we understand something, belief is transformed into knowledge.

The problem with belief is that it's such a satisfying mental state, we very often see no need to explore a thing enough to gain understanding of it.

By which you might come to the conclusion that-- no, I do not believe in magic.

Hi Stella! Thank you, this made lots of sense. I think perhaps I do not "believe" in "magic" then at all. Maybe there's nothing I "believe" in. I'm also equally unsure of the things I "know". Maybe it's more that I acknowledge and delight in things I feel are magical, like the examples I provided in my original post. I think everything I think I know is subject to revision when presented with new information, and so there's value in exploration, and in remaining open to new ways of understanding things. But I'm also open to the idea that there are things I'm not capable of understanding for a variety of reasons, and when they delight me still, or fill me with a sense of wonder, it feels magical.

 

[Emily124]

A part of me would really like to believe, but I'm too anchored in science and facts.

For the life of me I can't remember which author wrote this, but I think it was Larry Niven.

"Magic is science that hasn't been explained yet."

That works for me.

I like this quote very much. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Emily124]

If, in defining the term "Magic", you mean "using an outside agency to influence events or things, the answer is 'no' to my mind.

Hello, Handley. I do not believe in that kind of "magic" either. Nor do I believe in fate or destiny, or predetermined futures of any sort.

 

[Leanmeangoblin]

ABRACADABRA--oh, it's open sesame?

Yesterday, someone asked me if I believed in magic. My answer was, "yes, of course." An hour later, we were still trying to define magic.

There are apparently many different types of magic. There's illusion or magic tricks, like that of David Blaine or David Copperfield. This is not the kind of magic I believe in. There's magic as a spiritual or religious practice, but this too, was not exactly the type of magic we were talking about. In trying to argue my point, I became less sure of the very definition of magic. I believe that anything is possible, and that sometimes things happen that can't be explained, instances of coincidence or serendipity, the power of the mind as evidenced by the placebo effect. But we couldn't agree that these were examples of magic. I often find myself in awe of the beauty I find in nature, random acts of kindness, creativity, self-expression, and life-affirming works of art. But perhaps, somehow, these things are magical, and not magic. I know the stories I enjoy reading and writing the most are magical, in one way or another. Isn't the inspiration of a muse some kind of magic?

Do you believe in magic?

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/484324_10152009803265001_1517927078_n.jpg

Do I believe in magic?

What is MAGIC but only one's personal view, an opinion, or point of reasoning for something one cannot understand.

And therefore, is unable to explain since one has no existing parameters or experiences to base the reality or truth of what was witnessed, what had been manifested, or happened with or without someone else to prove what transpired, and thus, believe. Cave men believe fire was magic. A three-year old girl/boy in front of a mirror who saw her/his mom's reflection believes the mother is inside the mirror, an innocent magical reality for her/him.

As most of us did also, believing in Santa, wrapped in the joys of a Holiday Season celebrated in most parts of the world, until our parents broke the mirror and shattered the magic for us. Of course, organized religion played its important role to make us honestly, sincerely, truthfully believe in the "magic" of miracles, of saints and martyrs, and the accompanying rituals and rites they all sell for the price of our obedient submissions, or else suffer the lost of our souls.

Even the shaman or wiccan priests and followers exercise a form of magical belief bordering on a religion of their own creation. Every country, culture, or civilization had a belief in something "magical"--that which is unexplained, and requires the unbending faith of the worshiping followers.

And yet--we still carry our innocence as a child. Pure and unblemished, we believe in the magic of love (aren't we all lovers?), in the healing magic of touch to console a broken heart--whether the cause is death, debacle, or destruction of business, reputation, or mere ego. And as long as we believe with the honesty, purity, and innocence of a child, magic will always exist for us.

Unfortunately, if the belief is tainted with malice or greed or lust, the magic is poisoned and becomes swifter, apparent, and manifests itself in a flash--leaving us to believe in demons, ghosts, or whatever fear is stronger for us.

Magic exists; it's a reality embedded in our beliefs. It takes many forms, and the most popular is Positive (and Negative) Thinking. If one is able to preserve even a hint of one's innocence as a child, then magic will come and manifest itself--swift, true, and satisfying.

Create your own magic; call it anyway you want. But do not colour it with doubt, with hesitation or fear, for the magic will disappear, unseen in an instant.

 

[scorallover]

I believe there are things that can't be explained. I don't include illusions or magic tricks in this. That is a form of art.

 

[Emily124]

Magic?

No.

Santa Claus? Easter Bunny? Tooth Fairy?

No

Now ask me if I believe in demons, Ghosts, Telekinesis, ESP?

Still no.

The cosmic Jewish Zombie in the sky?

Sorry, not very religious either.


The world lost a lot of it's wonder for me around the time I discovered Santa Claus didn't exist. It kind of backfired on my parents when they told me that. They dragged me to church for as long as they could after that, but the spark was no longer there.

Hello, C2BK. Yeah, that whole Santa Claus thing is a real blow for a lot of people. It's sad that it caused the world to lose a lot of its wonder and spark for you. I'm not a fan of organized religions, either. But I am filled with a sense of wonder, and I find its often satisfied in nature and exceptional human interactions and in beautiful works of art. Perhaps I'm just easily amused, but I get so excited when I learn something new, or understand something for the first time, or when I'm challenged to look at something in a new or different way. So... whatever that is.

 

[Stella_Omega]

There's nothing wrong with acknowledging that we don't have all the answers. And there's nothing wrong with making a decision to not look for the answer, but just accept whatever the phenomenon is as a fact in its own right.

And it's okay to understand the word "magic" as a term for those things... except that too many people use the word "magic" as an explanation for shit. They use it as an excuse for not searching further.

To my mind, there is somethign very deeply wrong with inventing answers and then believing them without any evidence that they are correct.

 

[Emily124]

Do I believe in magic?

What is MAGIC but only one's personal view, an opinion, or point of reasoning for something one cannot understand.

And therefore, is unable to explain since one has no existing parameters or experiences to base the reality or truth of what was witnessed, what had been manifested, or happened with or without someone else to prove what transpired, and thus, believe. Cave men believe fire was magic. A three-year old girl/boy in front of a mirror who saw her/his mom's reflection believes the mother is inside the mirror, an innocent magical reality for her/him.

As most of us did also, believing in Santa, wrapped in the joys of a Holiday Season celebrated in most parts of the world, until our parents broke the mirror and shattered the magic for us. Of course, organized religion played its important role to make us honestly, sincerely, truthfully believe in the "magic" of miracles, of saints and martyrs, and the accompanying rituals and rites they all sell for the price of our obedient submissions, or else suffer the lost of our souls.

Even the shaman or wiccan priests and followers exercise a form of magical belief bordering on a religion of their own creation. Every country, culture, or civilization had a belief in something "magical"--that which is unexplained, and requires the unbending faith of the worshiping followers.

And yet--we still carry our innocence as a child. Pure and unblemished, we believe in the magic of love (aren't we all lovers?), in the healing magic of touch to console a broken heart--whether the cause is death, debacle, or destruction of business, reputation, or mere ego. And as long as we believe with the honesty, purity, and innocence of a child, magic will always exist for us.

Unfortunately, if the belief is tainted with malice or greed or lust, the magic is poisoned and becomes swifter, apparent, and manifests itself in a flash--leaving us to believe in demons, ghosts, or whatever fear is stronger for us.

Magic exists; it's a reality embedded in our beliefs. It takes many forms, and the most popular is Positive (and Negative) Thinking. If one is able to preserve even a hint of one's innocence as a child, then magic will come and manifest itself--swift, true, and satisfying.

Create your own magic; call it anyway you want. But do not colour it with doubt, with hesitation or fear, for the magic will disappear, unseen in an instant.

Thank you, Goblin. I don't really have a response, this was just nicely articulated and beautiful.

 

[PoppingTom]

Isn't the inspiration of a muse some kind of magic?

Do you believe in magic?

That kind of magic: YES, off course !!

 

[oggbashan]

...

It's been hours, people. I expected this long before now.

A from the good little witch.

I believe in the good little witch.

 

[Emily124]

Do you believe in magic?

It's been hours, people. I expected this long before now.

A from the good little witch.

LOL! That was awesome, thank you for sharing, good little witch.
I was a little surprised it wasn't posted sooner, too. The shots of the audience were especially great.

 

[Emily124]

If you believe the power of positive magic, or in prayer, like most beliefs it should make you feel better because of your mind's ability to process positive thinking into a sense of well-being. If other people are wishing you well, or praying for you, that could reinforce the feeling that there are forces on your side - if you believe. Even if you don't believe, knowing that others are concerned about you could help your self-esteem even of it does no more.

The transition between 'feeling better' and actually 'getting better' works for mental illness but I don't think it does for physical illness beyond the placebo effect.

I will pray for people if asked. I will think positive thoughts for them, and wish them well. If those practices are 'magic' then to that extent I believe. Beyond that, I think positive magic is harmless and possibly self-delusion.

Hello, Ogg. Yes, what you said! I'm a well-wisher, too. I don't "pray" because it feels weird to me, and I don't know who I would be praying to in the first place. But I can feel positive energy and try to send that along, or think positive thoughts. I think there are benefits (physically and mentally) in relaxation and meditation, and this is probably a result for the well-wisher. How that translates to the recipient is maybe the effect of receiving love and affection, in the way a loving embrace or kind words makes you "feel better". It's beautiful that we can affect one another in this way (or rather, that we can allow ourselves to be affected in this way). I wonder if something, like the effects of well-wishing or prayer, can be both natural and supernatural, and therefore kind of like magic (or at least magical), in the sense that it's kind of difficult to explain or understand. I don't know.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

There's nothing wrong with acknowledging that we don't have all the answers. And there's nothing wrong with making a decision to not look for the answer, but just accept whatever the phenomenon is as a fact in its own right.

And it's okay to understand the word "magic" as a term for those things... except that too many people use the word "magic" as an explanation for shit. They use it as an excuse for not searching further.

To my mind, there is somethign very deeply wrong with inventing answers and then believing them without any evidence that they are correct.

More to the point the magic in our lives isnt someplace you can get to from where you are, there's no plot/course to it; it just happens. You cant explain it any more than you can explain how you ice skate or hatch kewl ideas. Try explaining sight for us. Or cancer.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Magic?

No.

Santa Claus? Easter Bunny? Tooth Fairy?

No

Now ask me if I believe in demons, Ghosts, Telekinesis, ESP?

Still no.

The cosmic Jewish Zombie in the sky?

Sorry, not very religious either.


The world lost a lot of it's wonder for me around the time I discovered Santa Claus didn't exist. It kind of backfired on my parents when they told me that. They dragged me to church for as long as they could after that, but the spark was no longer there.

All of them exist.